Pirates' Nutting could push for aggressive moves at trade deadline following Sheetz deal

Pirates owner Bob Nutting “made it clear” Friday his front office “has the ability to improve the roster at the MLB trade deadline,” according to Noah Hiles of the PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE. Hiles noted following the team’s unveiling of a new jersey patch partnership with Sheetz, Nutting “took the time to discuss how he sees his team as it sits in the thick of things” and whether he will “push for a competitive move.” Nutting said, “I think it’s a really interesting time, and we’re absolutely evaluating a wide range of alternatives and need to” (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 6/21).

A GREAT START: In Pittsburgh, Paul Zeise wrote, “I don’t like the fact that the Pirates sold advertising space on their uniforms; I absolutely love it.” Friday, when the announcement was made, Nutting “downplayed the connection” between the revenue boost the deal with Sheetz will give them and payroll. But Zeise wrote this “should just be the start of great things.” The Pirates “must be creative in raising money, and this is a start” (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 6/21).

MORE THAN JUST WORDS: In Pittsburgh, Jason Mackey wrote Nutting “better have meant what he said” about this season and the “progress made, as well as the Pirates’ deficiencies and the opportunity ahead” with a “terrific starting rotation” headlined by Ps Mitch Keller, Paul Skenes and Jared Jones. Nutting said, “To have that front of the rotation is an opportunity we have to take advantage of.” Mackey noted that the Pirates, having “underperformed” at 36-38, are still somehow “very much in the thick of things.” Nutting said, “I know how committed I am, the organization is and [general manager Ben Cherington] is to making sure we take advantage of the opportunities that we have.” Mackey wrote Nutting’s words also “won’t do anything to improve the club. His actions will -- and I understand why fans remain skeptical that the Pirates will do the right thing” (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 6/21).